Radio Smart Talk: Welfare Secretary Bev MacKereth on Medicaid & more

Transforming Health
| 04.01.13

Radio Smart Talk for Friday, March 29:

Gov. Tom Corbett will be meeting soon with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. The session could impact the futures of thousands of uninsured Pennsylvanians who may be eligible for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Up until now, the governor has rejected expanding Medicaid because he believes it may cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more money in the long run.

That's even though the federal government pledges to pay 100% of the expansion for the first three years and 90% after that.

Corbett has indicated he doesn't have confidence in the federal government's commitment and he doesn't believe he has gotten all his questions answered from Washington.

In this episode of Radio Smart Talk, acting Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare Bev MacKereth addresses Medicaid expansion and a host of other topics.

Sec. MacKereth also discusses Gov. Corbett's proposal to increase funding for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, older Pennsylvanians and child care. Critics point out many of those services have been cut in prior Corbett budgets.

Legislation has been introduced to change the name of DPW to the Department of Human Services because the title best fits the role of the agency. Sec. MacKereth has been quoted as saying the move would cost $8 million in a tight budget.